C-Shaped Arm Imaging Device for Long-Film Spinal X-Ray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional O-arms are heavy, bulky, and expensive, limiting their maneuverability and suitability for obtaining long-film images beyond 30 cm, while larger machines like CT and MRI scanners are over-engineered and costly for 2D imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable, cost-effective C-shaped arm imaging device with an X-ray emission device and detector fixed at opposite ends, capable of rotating 180°, allowing for long-film imaging up to 60 cm and easy maneuverability, enabling imaging in multiple directions including lateral and anterior-posterior views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional O-arms are used to obtain 360° images, then full circumferential imaging capability is achieved, but the device becomes heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential imaging function from the complete O-arm system by using only a C-shaped arc (less than 360°, typically 180-270°) instead of the full circular gantry. This removes unnecessary structural components while retaining the core capability to obtain sufficient imaging data for surgical navigation, thereby reducing weight and improving maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric C-shaped gantry design that opens in a specific direction (typically away from the surgical site) rather than forming a complete symmetric circle. This asymmetric configuration reduces the amount of material and structural support needed, directly decreasing weight while maintaining adequate imaging coverage for the surgical field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional O-arms are used for imaging, then 360° imaging capability is achieved, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting only the necessary imaging arc (C-shape) rather than manufacturing a complete circular O-arm, the patent reduces material consumption, manufacturing complexity, and assembly requirements. This directly lowers production costs while delivering equivalent clinical functionality for the intended surgical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a more cost-effective design philosophy by using simpler, lighter materials and construction methods that reduce manufacturing expenses. The C-shaped gantry uses less expensive materials and simpler joint mechanisms compared to full O-arms, making the system more affordable for healthcare facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If O-arms are designed for 360° imaging, then complete circumferential coverage is achieved, but the device is over-engineered for 2D long-film imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the imaging arc necessary for obtaining long-film 2D images (typically 180-270° coverage) rather than implementing the full 360° capability. This eliminates complex mechanisms such as the door system, additional support structures, and sophisticated positioning systems that are unnecessary for the specific application of spinal long-film imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complete O-arm and then attempting to use it for limited 2D imaging, the patent inverts the approach by designing a simplified C-shaped system specifically optimized for long-film imaging from the outset. This purpose-built design achieves the same clinical goal with significantly reduced complexity.
4Length of moving object
If CT or MRI machines are used for long-film imaging, then imaging length beyond 30 cm is achieved, but the machines become large, fixed, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into a compact, mobile C-shaped gantry that can be positioned close to the patient, eliminating the need for large fixed infrastructure. The system uses a focused imaging geometry that achieves long-film coverage (60-90 cm) through strategic positioning and geometry rather than requiring a massively scaled-up apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves extended imaging length by utilizing the Z-axis (superior-inferior direction) through close positioning of the detector to the patient's spine and angling the C-shaped gantry appropriately. This dimensional approach allows long-film imaging without requiring a proportionally large machine footprint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The C-shaped arm imaging device provides a practical solution for long-film imaging of the human spine, offering improved portability and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional O-arms and larger machines, while maintaining the capability for multiple directional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emission device fixed at one end of a semi-circular arm and an X-ray detector device fixed at an opposite end of the semi-circular arm
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector device fixed at an opposite end of the semi-circular arm, approximately 180° of angular distance apart from the X-ray emission device
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An imaging device for obtaining long-film images of an anatomical element of a patient or of another object includes a wheeled base comprising an elongate track; a trolley comprising a base portion slidably connected to the elongate track and an upper portion rotatably connected to the base portion, the trolley slidable along the elongate track a distance of at least 40 cm; a C-shaped arm defining a semi-circle about a C-shaped arm axis, the C-shaped arm rotatably supported by the upper portion of the trolley; a source fixedly secured to the C-shaped arm; and a detector fixedly secured to the C-shaped arm opposite the source.